VIP Smiles Family Dentistry Syracuse, UT

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5 Benefits of Water Flossers

Home | Dentist Syracuse Utah | Page 11

5 Benefits of Water Flossers

When it comes to maintaining your oral health, a good dental hygiene routine is essential. Brushing and flossing regularly are key to preserving a healthy and radiant smile. However, flossing can be hard, especially when you have braces or other orthodontic devices in the way. Luckily, there are solutions such as water flossers that can help you easily clean even the hardest-to-reach places around your teeth and braces.

#1. Effective Alternative to Traditional Flossing

As important as brushing your teeth is, it’s not enough on its own to protect you from cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Regular toothbrushes cannot always reach all the tiny little nooks and crannies in your mouth, so in order to protect yourself from various oral health issues, you also need to floss between your teeth.

Many problems with teeth and gums are caused by bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria feeds on trapped food particles and forms plaque, which erodes the teeth’s enamel and leads to cavities. Plaque can also harden into tartar, cause irritation of the gums, and even lead to tooth decay.

5 Benefits of Water Flossers

In order to remove trapped food, plaque, and bacteria from the little spaces between your teeth, you need to floss. Despite how important this habit is, many people skip this important step in their oral hygiene routine because maneuvering floss in these tight spaces can be difficult and tedious.

Instead of traditional flossing, many people find water flossing to be easier and more convenient. Unlike regular dental floss, water flossers utilize a pulsating stream of water to get in between your teeth and effectively remove bacteria and plaque, ensuring your mouth is thoroughly cleaned.

#2. Gentle on Gums, Tough on Plaque

Another reason many people avoid flossing is because their gums are sensitive. If you don’t floss regularly, you may have gum disease, which can make your gums swell and bleed easily. Flossing can exacerbate gum pain and cause bleeding, so if you have gum issues, you may be tempted to skip flossing. However, even though it may hurt, it’s more important than ever to keep your mouth free of plaque to give your gums a chance to heal.

Instead of regular dental floss, you may want to try a water flosser. The controlled water pressure soothes gums while removing plaque, making it perfect for people with gum sensitivity.

5 Benefits of Water Flossers

#3. Ideal for Orthodontic Patients

If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment and have braces, permanent retainers, or aligners, it can be extra difficult to keep your teeth clean. Especially with braces, flossing with regular dental floss is nearly impossible. 

However, when you’re going through orthodontic treatment, it’s more important than ever to prevent bacteria and plaque from building up in all the little spaces of your mouth. Because braces create so many nooks and crannies for bacteria to hide, water flossers are an excellent way to keep your teeth clean and healthy. They can easily maneuver around your brackets and wires to clean both above and below the gum line and reduce your risk of cavities and tooth decay.

#4. No More Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, is often caused by the accumulation of food particles and bacteria in the mouth. Bad breath can be embarrassing and frustrating, but with a good oral health routine, you can eliminate halitosis-causing bacteria and get your breath back to smelling nice and fresh.

In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day and using antibacterial mouthwash, consider also using a water flosser. These devices can be highly effective at combating bad breath by flushing out trapped food particles, bacteria, and plaque that have built up over time.

#5. Water Flossers Save Time

In your fast-paced, busy life, you may not always have time to spend several minutes flossing your teeth the old-fashioned way. Luckily, water flossers are quick and easy to use and can get the job done in a fraction of the time. Additionally, the varying pressure settings make it suitable for anyone to use, from children to seniors. 

High-Quality Care From VIP Smiles

At VIP Smiles, we offer braces and aligners to correct crooked or misaligned teeth and get our patients’ smiles looking great. Our professional team members are highly trained and specialize in providing high-quality care to all our patients. If you’re looking for excellent orthodontic services in the Syracuse, Utah, area, look no further than VIP Smiles! Contact us to schedule an appointment today.

Filed Under: Dentist Syracuse Utah, Orthodontist

Bruxism: Answers to 6 Questions

Bruxism, also known as tooth grinding, is a common sleep disorder affecting around 10% of U.S. adults and 15% of children. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of issues; however, there are effective treatment and prevention options available. Read on to discover answers to six questions you may have if you or your child were diagnosed with bruxism.

#1. What is Bruxism?

Everyone grinds their teeth on occasion, but if you grind your teeth frequently, you may have bruxism, which is a more serious issue. There are two types of bruxism, with different causes and treatment options.

Awake Bruxism

With this condition, you may find yourself frequently grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw during the day, especially when you are concentrating on something or feeling stressed, angry, or anxious. 

Awake bruxism doesn’t usually require treatment, since you are able to notice when you’re grinding your teeth and stop yourself from continuing; however, mindfulness of stressors in your life may help it stop occurring as frequently.

Sleep Bruxism

On the other hand, sleep bruxism happens unconsciously at night and is not necessarily linked to your emotional state. Because you are asleep, you probably aren’t aware of your teeth grinding and are unable to make an effort to stop. This type of bruxism is more serious and can cause a myriad of health issues.

#2. Does Bruxism Affect Oral Health?

Occasional teeth grinding shouldn’t be an issue, but if it happens frequently, it can affect your oral health. With up to 250 pounds of force being exerted, your teeth and jaw may experience many different problems, including:

Bruxism: Answers to 6 Questions
  • Headaches
  • Aesthetic changes in your face and profile
  • Cracked or loose teeth
  • Jaw pain, locked jaw, and TMJ disorders
  • Strained jaw and neck muscles
  • Tooth loss
  • Wearing down of tooth enamel
  • Pain when eating
  • Earaches
  • Disrupted sleep

#3. What Causes Bruxism?

There is no one thing that causes someone to grind their teeth; it’s often due to a combination of factors. People who are more driven, anxious, or prone to stress are more likely to develop bruxism. You may face a higher risk if you have a family history of bruxism, smoke cigarettes, consume caffeine, or use anti-anxiety medications.

#4. How Does Bruxism Affect Children?

Bruxism is more common in children than adults; however, it is less likely to cause long-term damage in children, since their teeth and jaws change so quickly. Many children outgrow bruxism by the time their adult teeth come in.

In children, bruxism can be caused by allergies, mouth irritation, misaligned teeth, heredity, or obstructive sleep apnea. If you hear your child grinding their teeth at night, talk to their dentist to help you identify the root cause and determine if they need treatment.

Bruxism: Answers to 6 Questions

#5. How Is Bruxism Treated?

If you suspect you may have bruxism, talk to your dentist about your concerns. They can examine your teeth and jaw to look for signs of tooth grinding and jaw clenching. If they determine that you do, in fact, have bruxism, they may fit you with a mouth guard to wear at night. They may also prescribe muscle relaxant medication to take before bed.

Your dentist can also provide treatments for the effects of bruxism. If you have broken, cracked, or worn-down teeth, they may recommend a dental crown, veneers, or even implants to fix the damage. 

#6. Can Bruxism Be Prevented?

If stress or anxiety are prevalent in your life and you are worried about developing bruxism, you can seek to better respond to stressors through cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, exercise, and physical therapy. 

You should also avoid constantly chewing gum or non-food items like pens and pencils. If you find yourself clenching your jaw during the day, make a conscious effort to stop. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and excessive caffeine.

Regular dental cleanings and exams can help you catch bruxism early, before it causes more serious problems. Your dentist should know the signs of bruxism and can help you determine whether it is affecting your oral health.

High-Quality Dentistry at VIP Smiles

At VIP Smiles, we are proud to offer personalized care to each of our patients. Our professional team uses state-of-the-art technology to provide cosmetic and restorative treatments, general and family dentistry, orthodontics, and emergency dental care. For more information about the services we offer or to schedule an appointment, call our office in Syracuse, Utah, or visit our website. We can’t wait to help you improve your confidence and give you the best care possible.

Filed Under: Dentist Syracuse Utah Tagged With: bruxism, tooth grinding

If you whiten your teeth, you may experience tooth sensitivity after the fact. This can occur whether you use over-the-counter whitening products or whether you see a dentist for a professional whitening treatment. It’s only natural to be alarmed by tooth sensitivity, as it often indicates a dental problem.

Here is what you need to know about tooth sensitivity after whitening. 

tooth sensitivity after whitening

It’s Common

Tooth sensitivity after whitening is a common side effect. Said sensitivity is usually mild. You may be sensitive to hot or cold stimuli. You may also experience a dull ache.

However, you shouldn’t be in intense pain or discomfort. The sensitivity also shouldn’t last longer than a few days. If either of these are the case, this may indicate an underlying issue, such as exposed tooth roots, ill-fitting/damaged fillings, gum disease, worn-down/thinned/damaged enamel, and the like. As such, if your tooth sensitivity after whitening persists or is intense, it’s best to consult with your dentist. 

Why Are Teeth Sensitive After Whitening?

Teeth are typically sensitive after whitening due to peroxide-based products. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are used in whitening products, but can be damaging to enamel and gums in high doses. They can make enamel temporarily more permeable in small amounts. 

Peroxide releases free radicals when it oxidizes stains. This chemical reaction lightens teeth by cracking down on existing surface stains, but it can inflame the pulp or nerve inside the tooth, leading to sensitivity. Peroxide leaves teeth more porous after, which exposes soft dentin (a sensitive part of the tooth) and nerves. It is important to use whitening products correctly, in order to avoid damage from improper use or high doses.

Tooth enamel damage is often permanent, so you must be careful and ensure you are taking proper care of your teeth.

tooth gems bad for your teeth

Why Do Your Gums Hurt After Tooth Whitening?

Gingival irritation can result if the whitening product gets on your gums. This is also known as whitening burns. It should be temporary. It can be helped by removing excess whitening product, only using the product for the recommended amount of time, saltwater rinses, and giving your gums a break after the fact.

What Is Normal Tooth Sensitivity After Whitening?

Many people who whiten their teeth report sensitivity with air, cold foods and drinks, sweet or sour or acidic foods or drinks, and brushing. This should only last a couple of days, at most. 

Sensitivity may be influenced by tooth decay, exposed dentin, cracks, and defective/broken-down restorations. 

How To Lessen Tooth Sensitivity After Whitening

Fortunately, if you have sensitive teeth in general or you just want to lessen the amount of sensitivity you experience after whitening, there are options available to you. 

Some of the ways to lessen tooth sensitivity after whitening are as follow. 

  • Use a non-peroxide whitening treatment or a treatment specifically designed for sensitive teeth
  • Use sensitive/remineralizing toothpaste, to strengthen your teeth and address pre-existing sensitivity
  • Use desensitizing gel
  • Use desensitizing toothpaste 2 weeks before the procedure and continue to use it after, as recommended
  • Use OTC painkillers. These won’t help your teeth, but can take the edge off the sensitivity.
  • Ask about a different type of whitening treatment. Some cause more sensitivity than others. For example, you may use whitening toothpaste over whitening strips.
  • Use a lower concentration of the product
  • Decrease the amount of product in the tray
  • Remember that using more product at once won’t make teeth whiter, but will make them more sensitive.
  • Increase time between treatments
  • Take a break from treatments

After whitening, avoid hot/cold/acidic foods/drinks, use desensitizing toothpaste, and be gentle while brushing. Ensure that you use fluoride toothpaste/mouthwash to remineralize your teeth. You can drink through a straw to prevent liquid from coming in contact with your teeth, which can minimize discomfort.

bacteria in your mouth

Sensitivity from whitening should be mild and only last a couple of days. It’s best to seek professional treatment from the start, as your dentist will be able to help you achieve the best results and avoid prolonged sensitivity. Professional treatments minimize sensitivity, as it is easy for people to overuse whitening treatments or to use them improperly. Seeing a dentist eliminates this risk.

Professional Teeth Whitening In Northern Utah

VIP Smiles offers professional whitening services. We can make custom trays for you, as well as do an in-office whitening treatment. We’re here to help you maintain healthy, beautiful teeth, with as much comfort as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services.

Filed Under: Dentist Syracuse Utah

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